Well, I didn't exactly call it; I predicted this would be a sedate pop outing, and while that isn't quite right, it definitely isn't anywhere in the rock neighborhood either. What this 2010 recording is can be compared to Sting's album, or Blackmore's Night, in that it is primarily concerned with the antique carols in period-appropriate arrangements, although Annie allows a number of contemporary touches into the proceedings -- even a touch of auto-tune occasionally. The faux-antique art of the cover is a pointer to the music within. The final song on the album, "Universal Child," breaks from the album concept, in that it's a non-Christmas Annie original done as you would hear it on one of her previous albums. This particular song's proceeds will benefit African children's charities through the Annie Lennox Foundation. Lyrically, it supports its intended mission. This is a fine album for those who like an old-fashioned European Christmas ("Il Est Ne" is sung in French), but there's no rock 'n roll to be found here.
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